In brief
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan asylum seeker, is accused of a deadly attack on two National Guard members outside the White House. As details emerge, it becomes clear Lakanwal's mental health had been deteriorating since his resettlement in the U.S. after serving in a special Afghan Army unit. Community advocates had expressed concerns about his increasingly erratic behavior, leading to fears for his well-being before the shooting. The attack, which resulted in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, has left investigators working to understand Lakanwal's motive.
The Afghan man accused of gunning down two National Guard members outside the White House last week had been battling severe mental health issues for years. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, unable to maintain stable employment, often fluctuated between bouts of isolation and reckless cross-country travels. Advocates in his community were alarmed by his troubling behavior, even reaching out to refugee organizations due to fears that he might harm himself.
Correspondence obtained by the Associated Press reveals that Lakanwal struggled significantly since his resettlement following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. His actions raised serious concerns, detailing a man who had become largely unresponsive and unable to fulfill his familial responsibilities.
Upon hearing news of the shooting, a community advocate expressed disbelief, recalling memories of Lakanwal playing with his young children. Reports indicate that on the Wednesday afternoon of the attack, West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were ambushed. Beckstrom succumbed to her wounds the following day as investigations continue to explore the shooting's motive.
Lakanwal, now 29, has been charged with first-degree murder. Before migrating to the U.S. in 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome, he served in a specialized Afghan Army unit linked to the CIA. Resettled with his family in Bellingham, Washington, Lakanwal faced a significant struggle with mental health, as detailed by alarming emails sent to the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI).
These emails paint a portrait of a man spiraling into isolation, losing touch with his role as a father and provider. Unstable living conditions compounded by bouts of purposelessness and frantic travel worried community members greatly.
Concerns were heightened, especially when his young children often had to reach out to him due to his withdrawal. Meanwhile, manic episodes often saw Lakanwal taking long drives across the country. Just days before the attack, advocates expressed to USCRI their fears for Lakanwal and attempted to reach out for intervention, sensing he was on the brink of collapse.
Following the tragedy, calls for a deeper look at Lakanwal's integration challenges have surfaced among those who knew him, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding for refugees coping with past traumas.
